Local hearing approves garage setback variance, camper extension and home-based furniture business in Jennings County

Unidentified Speaker 1 and other members of the local Jennings County hearing approved three land-use items involving variances and a temporary housing extension.

The board approved a variance to allow a proposed garage at South County Road 150 West to sit 65 feet from the east property line, a 10-foot exception from the stated 75-foot setback requirement. The applicant said the garage would be placed where vehicles already park on gravel and that ‘‘it’s the best place to do it.’’ Unidentified Speaker 1 then said, ‘‘I’ll make a motion to approve,’’ and Unidentified Speaker 2 seconded; members voted in favor and reminded the applicant to obtain a building permit.

The board also considered a request by Norman W. Day to keep a camper at 1700 East County Road 500 North while the applicant prepares a separate home for sale. The applicant described construction timing that could require occupants to remain in the camper for up to a year. Unidentified Speaker 2 moved to extend the variance and Unidentified Speaker 3 supported the extension; the board approved the one-year renewal.

Separately, the board reviewed a special-use request from Wanda King to operate a home-based business at 9760 North Highway 7 in Elizabethtown to sell new and used furniture and mattresses by appointment only. The application said there would be 10 personal parking spaces and requested a 30-foot variance from a 100-foot distance requirement. One neighbor present indicated support. The board voted to approve the special-use request and asked King to obtain a business permit before opening.

Board members stressed standard permit follow-up. Unidentified Speaker 3 told the home-business applicant, ‘‘Can I get your business permit like we talked about?’’ Each approved item concluded with an instruction to secure the appropriate permit.

The hearing then moved on to other items and later adjourned.